House Democrats Vote Against Funding Critical Defense Programs

This afternoon, House Republicans passed the 2017 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. This bill will fund defense programs, including field operations for our armed forces. The bill was opposed by House Democrats. Among the highlights of this important legislation:

• Continues the prohibition against the transfer of the dangerous terrorists held at GITMO to facilities on U.S. soil.
• Provides a much-needed pay increase for military personnel.
• Funds critical programs in the fight against ISIS.
• Provides funding for counter-terrorism operations against al-Qaeda and other threats.
• Increases funding for sexual assault prevention and response programs.
• Funds suicide prevention and outreach programs, as well as mental health care programs.
• Allows military health care funding to be used to address the Zika epidemic.

NRCC Comment: “House Republicans continued their leadership today, passing the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which will fund critical national security programs. House Democrats’ opposition to this important legislation shows that they are more interested in partisanship than they are in governing.” – NRCC Spokesman Bob Salera

Background:

H.R.5293 – Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017

Roll Call 332 – Final Passage of H.R. 5293